I have always viewed this comment as problematic. It is most often said as a compliment. But what do we really deserve? It is true that hard work, dedication and loyalty has its rewards, especially in this country.

Recently The Wall Street Journal issued a special report and survey on American CEO's compensation. The survey indicated that the median salary and compensation was approximately $2.6 million and that the highest salary paid to an America CEO was $54.6 million.

But are we really "entitled" to anything?

I believe that we are rather blessed (some people say "lucky") to live in a society where such rewards are not only available but also abundant.

What about those people in the developing world who would be overjoyed with 10% of our salaries? What about the homeless on our streets? Are they not entitled to a roof over their heads and a decent meal? They may have made some wrong choices in life, but that is not even certain. We have made wrong choices too, perhaps.

These are difficult questions. I do not have the answers; I am not sure anybody does.

It seems to me that we are living in a society that is becoming, more and more, a society of entitlement. Many believe the world owes them and they want it now.

Not all have that attitude. Some years ago, Louis Finkelstein, then the Chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary and David's Finn's uncle, was offered a raise. He vehemently declined. I suspect that he was content with his salary and that a raise was unnecessary. He most likely believed that additional money paid to him would be at the expense of the institution.

What if we tried to change our view and attitude from one of entitlement to one of gratitude? After all, what have we that we did not earn? Health, the capacity to work, some intelligence, education, and experience, as well as opportunities have all been granted to us.

I think that most psychologists would agree that being grateful would significantly improve our outlook in life as well as our mental hygiene.

As the Latin philosopher, Cicero once said:

Gratitude is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other.